Churchill Tire & Battery closing after 98 years in business

klweber2771
1 day ago
2 min read

Churchill Tire & Battery, a fixture in Menomonie for nearly a century, is closing its doors this Friday, October 17th.

The business, owned by brothers Steve and Rodney Husby, has been part of the city’s landscape since 1927. It is the second-oldest Goodyear dealership in the country and has been in the Husby family for generations.

You might wonder why it’s called Churchill Tire & Battery. That's because Ralph Churchill founded the business, originally opening in Eau Claire. Steve and Rodney’s great uncle, Norm Florin, began working for Churchill when he opened a Menomonie location in 1927.

Another great uncle, Marvin Husby, also joined the business, and in the late 1950s, the two men purchased it from Ralph Churchill.

The original building, located near where CVS now stands, was destroyed by fire in 1955. It was soon rebuilt on 6th Avenue, next to the old root beer stand.

“My dad (Ron, also known as J.R.) sold automotive and industrial batteries for many years, and we lived all over - Detroit, Ohio, and New York,” said Steve. “In 1974, he and my mom (Correne) moved back to Menomonie and bought the business from my great uncles. I’ve worked here ever since.”

When Churchill Tire moved to its current location in 1985, Steve’s brother Rodney joined the business. Ron and Correne were involved in the business until their passing—Ron in 2021 and Correne in 2013. At the time of closing, there are two additional full-time technicians, two high school students working after school, and two office staff, including Steve’s wife, Peggy.

While there are mixed emotions about closing the shop, the brothers knew it was time.

“We are both ready to retire and move on to the next phase,” said Steve. “I will definitely miss my customers and employees.”

The building and land have been purchased by Larson Brothers Property of Elk Mound, and Steve is uncertain what will become of it. The business equipment will be sold through Houghton Auction Service, with bids opening on November 4th and closing on the 11th.